The Bard PowerPort is a catheter device implanted beneath the skin, designed to facilitate intravenous access to medications and fluids. It has garnered significant scrutiny due to reported issues associated with its functionality and safety.
Instances of material cracking leading to catheter fracture or migration have caused severe injuries, infections, blood clots, and other life-threatening complications for many individuals.
As a consequence of the complications linked to the defective Bard PowerPort, affected individuals have initiated product liability lawsuits against the device’s manufacturer.
Throughout this article, we will conduct a thorough exploration of the claims presented by those affected. Our objective is to gain a deeper understanding of the nature and substance underlying these legal actions.
Understanding the Bard PowerPort Device
The Bard PowerPort, including the Bard PowerPort ClearVue Implantable Port and similar models, serves as a vascular access device. Implanted under the skin, the Bard PowerPort features an injection port designed for medication delivery. Additionally, it incorporates a polyurethane catheter tube responsible for transferring drugs into the bloodstream through a major central vein.
With an estimated 300,000 devices installed nationwide, Bard dominated the market competition, boasting a substantial market share of around 70%. This widespread adoption of Bard PowerPort devices reflects their promotion of faster medication delivery and convenience, along with their purported durability against high injection pressures.
However, an increasing number of individuals have reported severe injuries related to the Bard PowerPort. These incidents have led to lawsuits asserting that proper disclosure of associated risks by the manufacturer could have potentially prevented these complications.
Unveiling Bard PowerPort Complications
Lawsuits involving Bard Power Port complications indicate that damage to the implantable catheter device is frequently linked to heightened medication flow rates. Additionally, the fragility of its tubing contributes significantly to these reported issues.
Individuals pursuing legal action claim that the Bard PowerPort catheter is susceptible to fractures, leading to bacterial accumulation and compromised structural integrity. These reported defects pose a heightened risk of thromboembolism (the formation of blood clots), infections, and various other adverse events.
Bard PowerPort Concerns: A Known Issue
Plaintiffs in Bard PowerPort injury lawsuits argue that the manufacturers, including Bard Access Systems Inc. and Becton Dickson & Company(BD), were cognizant of reported issues.
These reported problems were at higher rates in comparison to similar products available in the market. Despite this knowledge, they allegedly failed to take adequate action for an extended period.
Accusations include inadequate warnings to the medical community, insufficient post-marketing surveillance, and a failure to address reported injuries and deaths associated with the PowerPort.
Plaintiffs assert that implementing a safer design or recalling the Bard PowerPort could have averted these incidents. They accuse the manufacturers of concealing critical information while persistently marketing the device as safe despite being aware of potential risks.
Attorneys project the Bard Power Port lawsuit settlement amount to vary between $10,000 and over $100,000. This range is determined by various factors, including the litigation process and individual circumstances. It takes into account damages and other relevant elements specific to the case.
Status of Bard PowerPort Recall
As of now, there hasn’t been a recall issued for Bard PowerPort devices specifically related to potential catheter risks. However, in March 2020, the FDA posted a Class 2 recall notice for certain Bard PowerPort models due to a different issue. The recall urged healthcare facilities to return the affected devices.
Moreover, the Health Sciences Authority issued an urgent medical device recall notification in September 2019. BD and Bard communicated in a letter the reason behind the recall, citing an incorrect barb tip for the catheter included in the PowerPort. They highlighted a concern that the catheter might become dislodged from the tunneler.
In their statement, BD mentioned that they believed the error was unlikely to cause severe injuries. However, this recall failed to address the reported issues associated with the ChronoFlex catheter tubing itself.
Complications and Injuries Linked to Bard PowerPort
TorHoerman Law notes that the alleged composition of the Bard PowerPort has resulted in catastrophic health implications for patients. Complications associated with Bard PowerPort implants encompass catheter migration, blood clots, infections, organ damage, and catheter failure.
Furthermore, these complications have the potential to lead to the dislodgment of plastic tubing fragments into the vascular system. This occurrence can result in severe injuries and, tragically, in some instances, even patient fatalities.
Seeking Legal Assistance for Bard PowerPort Complications
Seeking legal guidance is vital for individuals who suspect that they or their loved ones have experienced harm due to Bard PowerPort malfunctions. Legal professionals assess cases based on evidence to ascertain if Bard PowerPort complications indeed stemmed from device failure. Services often operate on a contingency fee basis, where fees and expenses are dependent on obtaining a settlement or lawsuit payout.
Conclusion
The prevalence of Bard PowerPort-related lawsuits reflects the substantial impact of reported complications and injuries experienced by affected individuals. This surge in legal actions highlights the essential necessity for increased manufacturer accountability and a dedicated focus on patient safety in the medical device industry.
The pursuit of justice through these legal avenues emphasizes the critical need for transparent disclosures and diligent product monitoring. It also underscores the necessity for proactive measures aimed at preventing potential risks associated with medical devices.
Ultimately, these lawsuits seek manufacturer accountability for patient safety regarding device reliance in healthcare.
